So we suppose it had to happen.
Improv Idol is one part talent show, one part improvisation laboratory, with bucket loads of audience participation and fun.
Think a certain slightly evil TV talent show meeting the Make It Up Club.
Contestants vie for the glory of being crowned Melbourne’s first Improv Idol in a series of group improvisations. Guided by a panel of expert judges, the audience votes for their favourite improviser, who then progresses through to the next round.
The concept is the brainchild of Melbourne based improvisers and experimental musicians, Clinton Green and Carmen Chan.
“I go to many improv gigs around Melbourne, and my opinion of what is great improvisation is often at odds with the rest of the audience”, Green says. “I love the idea of the audience voting for their favourite improviser.
“I am fascinated to see how musicians react to the situation of ‘playing to win’”, Chan says.
Green designed an improvisation game a couple of years ago called “Good Improv/Bad Improv”, where musicians drew instructions from a hat that included ‘Play your instrument really badly’ and ‘Be the star of the trio’ before incorporating them into a group improvised performance.
Thursday 1 October 2015, 8pm
Wesley Anne, 250 High Street, Northcote
$10
Improv Idol is one part talent show, one part music improvisation laboratory, with bucket loads of audience participation and fun. Contestants vie for the glory of being crowned Melbourne’s first Improv Idol in a series of group improvisations. Guided by a panel of expert judges, YOU the audience votes for their favourite improviser, who then progresses through to the next round.
Judges: Carolyn Connors, Sean Baxter, Ian Parsons
Improv Idol finalists: Gary Butler (guitar/toys/stupidity), Brae Grims (cornet/mellophone), Gemma Horbury (trumpet/voice), Jessica Isgro (vocals), Shani Mohini-Holmes (vocals), Barnaby Oliver (guitar), David Seedsman (sax/drums/vocals), Shane Van Den Akker (vocals)
